NHS FAILING TO HELP CHRONIC DRINKERS

The NHS is failing to deliver adequate treatment for dependent drinkers, a new report by Alcohol Concern finds.

The NHS is failing to deliver adequate treatment for dependent drinkers, a new report by Alcohol Concern finds. The poor relation-has the emphasis on 'localism' really improved alcohol commissioning? reveals massive differences across the country in terms of the quality of support laid on to support the recovery of people who have become dependent on alcohol. The report's authors argue that the government's focus on 'binge' drinking means that health service managers are under pressure to put money into short interventions for people entering A&E due to drunken mishaps rather, than more intensive treatment aimed at chronic drinkers. In some cases, local support was practically unavailable for anyone wanting professional help for chronic drinking.

Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern says:

"Helping people to stop binge drinking is important, but we must not lose sight of the more than one million dependent drinkers, many of whose lives would benefit from more intensive help. The findings of this research show that people with drink problems are being let down at the very moment they need support. The postcode lottery of alcohol services needs to end now, or the needless costs of alcohol related harm will just continue to spiral."

Drawing on data gleaned from a Freedom of Information request sent to each local Primary Care Trust, some of its most startling findings are that:

Dependent drinkers in some parts of England face waits of up to a year to access any form of structured treatment: this compares with a three week maximum for people accessing drug rehabilitation programmes.

In some areas, as few as 2% of dependent drinkers are getting any sort of help to cut back their drinking to safer levels.

There are wide variations in the levels of investment PCTs make into treatment.

ENDS

For press enquiries please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 0207 264 0514 or 07866063013, or email franks@alcoholconcern.org.uk

Notes to editors

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Copies of the report are available from the Alcohol Concern Press Office.

Date: 08 April 2008